Honorary chair of the Texas Contemporary Art Fair opening night festivities William Goldberg praised the 90-minute preview party that took place before the gates at the George R. Brown Convention Center opened to a throng of several thousand.

"Just to be able to see the art and not in the crowds" is worth the extra admission, Goldberg said, adding, "It's a wonderful relationship that CAMH has with the fair." As chair of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston board, he praised the fair for its contributions, saying that after Thursday night's benefit preview, the fair was expected to reach $100,000 in contributions to CAMH since the art extravaganza arrived in Houston four years ago.

Of the contribution, fair founder Max Fishko noted, "It's super cool. We're really proud to be able to contribute in a way that is meaningful to an institution that does meaningful work here in Houston."

"We're really proud to be able to contribute in a way that is meaningful to an institution that does meaningful work here in Houston."

The 6 p.m. crowd numbered around a comfortable 250, served by open bar and waiters offering sophisticated appetizers. But once the 7:30 official opening arrived, the vast space was flooded with contemporary art enthusiasts. Sharing duties with Goldberg as honorary chairs on this night were Judy Nyquist, J.B. Fairbanks, Yvette and Scott Hill and Judith Oudt.

Before the crowds descended, Fishko spoke of the growth of the market in its four years. "We've been evolving a lot. I think the work here is really strong, probably the strongest ever. I think there have been some innovative things happening on our side in the way the fair is laid out and designed and the level of support has been overwhelming. It just keeps getting bigger every year."